The Joint Commission Board of Commissioners (BOC) unanimously approved the proposed revisions to accreditation Medical Staff Standard MS.01.01.01, formerly known as MS.120, on Friday, March 12, 2010. The BOC also approved March 31, 2011, as the date for implementation, which means that the standard will be surveyed for compliance beginning April 1, 2011. MS.01.01.01 is designed to contribute to patient safety and quality of care through the support of a positive working relationship between a hospital’s medical staff and its governing body. The revisions are based on the work of an 18-member task force representing the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Dental Association, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals and the National Association of Medical Staff Services, as well as hospital trustees and medical staff attorneys.
The OMSS feels there is a need to provide an education program for the AMA House of Delegates to explain the impetus for the changes, highlight the key provisions, discuss their impact on the quality and safety of care and the relationship between the medical staff and the governing body. The program will give physicians a straightforward understanding of the standard and its requirements. The Faculty consisting of an AMA task force member, AHA task force member and medical staff legal counsel will provide not only a balanced perspective, but some practical advice.
Should you have technical questions, please contact the AMA Unified Service Center at 1-800-621-8335. If you have questions regarding the content, please contact Katie Pajak at kathryn.pajak@ama-assn.org or 1-312-464-5450.

Statement of Need There is a need to provide education on MS.01.01.01 and the impetus for the changes, highlights of the key provisions, the impact on the quality and safety of care and the relationship between the medical staff and the governing body. This program will give physicians an understanding of the standard and its requirements in order to comply with the implementation of the standard.

Receiving Your Certificate of Participation In order to receive your Certificate of Participation, you must complete an evaluation.